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Why did u start ktized geans?

Let me begin by saying the actual name is “kriminaltized geans”. I shorten it for easier access to the site and the spelling, but yeah I always loved fashion. I was rapping at first and the Tees were for “promo” use/advertisement. It was the logo for my record co. “criminaltized enterprise”and It was spelled with a “C” I changed it to the “k” spelling because it looked better and had a unique feel. Anyways, people seemed more interested in the shirts than the music. The shirts were receiving an immediate response. People were asking for them in specific sizes and colors. I began to have visions of other designs and ideas, I couldn’t sleep. I thank God for giving it to me. The name “kriminaltized” is “MY WORD” I am the creator of that! It feels like it’s my son (the logo). I wanted to see it become bigger than me because I just own it.It’s not for just a certain race it is for anyone that can relate.So I wanted it to represent a specific class of “G” a “kriminaltized G”.

Did you have any formal training?

Not from any schools. I really began to hit the mall and pick certain items I like and see what material was used to make it. I look at certain cuts of denim and I would buy it take it home too study it. I would learn every aspect of the garment from the buttons, zippers, and embroidery decoration. I am good at observation. I like to do it. I ask a lot of questions. I’ve called other designers and asked questions. I look at my favorite lines and study them. I started in 1998 Oct 31st. I’ve been on it since and it?s a real passion for fashion. I want to do this for the rest of my life. I like learning new concepts. So in a sense I’m a student of the game but make no mistake I?m in it for the long haul

How did u go about getting your line into stores?

I use to do consignment. I first had my shirts in record stores. I would drive around find a spot where I think I can move some units and get them in there. All the music spots on every side of town, but consignment began to be more of a hassle. It’s a good way to get your stuff seen. I stop going to record stores and began to just focus on clothing stores. I wanted to be taken serious and so I had to get it in that type of environment. Now, I like to see people stores and see the other products they sell first beforehand. If anything is knockoff or variant, it will not happen I never sacrifice my brand image for any order no matter the amount.

How can consumers purchase ktized geans?

Go to ktizedgeans.com I have a few stores I deal with Tennessee, California, Florida to Finland, but hit up ktizedgeans.com to see the latest. If you don’t have a computer tell the store you shop at to order from there. They will listen if you ask I found that out. So ASK! I will be in attendance at the Magic Show in Las Vegas. If any retailers are interested in carrying the Ktized collections email info@ktizedgeans.com. A guy in Finland contacted me from the website and ordered 60 shirts. I didn’t even ask him where he found me,but that’s part of it. It’s not for everybody, but it?s not a “hip hop? line. It?s KRIMINALTIZED. What are the strategy and the challenges of marketing?

I don’t want my line to be seen as “none existing” but I don’t want to saturate it. I’ve seen what happens to other lines getting notice for a year or two and become completely irrelevant. You see they stuff in Eastbay now. Not saying it’s bad but it looks out of place. We received our first big exposure from music videos. Mtv making the video was there and I received photos from Ozone magazine. It was the first time my brand was seen on a large scale. I?ve been seen wearing it in countless music videos by well known artist. It?s been worn in 2 movies that will be out in 2007. I’m getting it in a Major Rap magazine now. Check for it in XXL Magazine. I have the Debut catalog with over 20 new designs! I even have some tees for the ladies that are kriminaltized.

How did you go about financing your clothing line?

I have a line of credit that I use. I also only produce limited pieces which lighten up my production cost. I pick carefully about what goes into production. I do the marketing, designing, sales also everything is handled by me personally. I deal with maybe 4 people when constructing a shirt so I don’t waste money.Since I do this myself I can’t have mistakes like over spending. I sacrifice buying things for myself in order to get critical things for the business done. I am still looking at potential backing. I’m not to concerned because I want too be the sole owner.

Who are the partners? I am a sole proprietor. I have no partners. I like to do things myself because I know what I like. I know how I want certain aspects of the business ran. I like to talk to retailers myself. Dealing with other people who are not as committed is cancerous. I didn’t have anyone who saw my vision like I did so I’m doing it my way. If I had a partner they would have to be a silent partner. No one will ever have more control than me. I’ve seen this since it was a drawing on a notebook to what it’s becoming. I don’t mind listening to others suggestions but I will always have the final word and say-so.

What are the future plans of Ktized geans?

Well, ‘07 is our year. I’m the 7th letter representer. I plan on attending more trade shows. I’ve just completed our first catalog. So I am ready to process a lot more orders. I have a few girls? tees that will be in the catalog. I’m taking steps to get the “jeans” done before the August Magic show. I want to get into more stores. Really concentrate on becoming the best designer I can become. I want to take necessary steps to become people’s favorite line. I want people to know that’s this is more than a “T-shirt”. It’s a Global Icon still in the making. I want to keep my train of thought and not to chase fads. I want to make classic “have to have” pieces.
I see you have celebrities wearing your clothes how did you go about styling them with your product?

Well, I have a lot of inside friends who give me “heads-up” on video shoots and other events so I make sure I go. Bring a few and network. People will ask me for one and I’ll give them one, so it works kind of like that. Videos and print are a plus. I think when you show confidence in the apparel they just want one too.

What advice do you have for future designers in the clothing industry?

Stay Humble but be confident. Always deliver what you claim you can have shipped. Stay up on all the lines not too much but do take notice or you’ll be left behind. Fashion changes so be able to change. At the same time if something works for you work it to perfection. Only put out your best work. Become a good listener. Pay your bills so you will be able to have good credit. Learn why people buy a certain line. Study your craft. Ask a lot of questions. Pay attention to price points. Quality over quanity. Be smart with your spending. Advertise. Advertise. Advertise. Get a website if you can. Think of how you can make your brand stand out respectively. Don’t under sell your products but don’t try to overcharge either.

Go get it!!!
http://www.ktizedgeans.com
http://www.myspace.com/ktizedgeans.com

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